RFI: Liquid Chromatography Replacement (Sciex Compatible)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The US Air Force Academy has issued a Sources Sought Notice / Request for Information (RFI) to identify vendors capable of providing a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Liquid Chromatography System. The primary requirement is that the new system must be fully and natively compatible with the laboratory's existing Sciex QTRAP 5500 Mass Spectrometer to ensure operational continuity and avoid extensive retraining or revalidation. Responses are due by 12:00 p.m. MDT on May 28, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a COTS Liquid Chromatography System to replace existing equipment. Key technical specifications, detailed in the 'Salient Characteristics' document, include:
- System Components: A system controller, a parallel-type double plunger pump (max 15,200 PSI), a degassing unit, an autosampler (0.1-50 uL range), and a column oven (10C below room temp to 100C with ±0.5% accuracy).
- Compatibility: Absolute native compatibility with a Sciex QTRAP 5500 Mass Spectrometer system, without third-party bridging software.
- Included Items: All necessary installation components (tubing, cables, solvent bottles, reservoir tray), covered labor for installation and connection to the existing Mass Spectrometer, a Sciex imaged computer with necessary specifications, and a Sciex OS software license.
- Additional Kits: Solvent selection kit (dual solvent valves), 2 Column Switching Kit (2 position/6 port valves), high pressure conversion kit, and a PFAS Kit.
- Training: Full system training with a Sciex Applications Support Scientist.
Requested Information
Interested vendors must submit a brief capability statement including:
- Company Information: Name, Address, Point of Contact (Name, Title, Email, Phone Number).
- Identifiers: Unique Entity ID (UEI) and CAGE Code.
- Socio-economic Status: Business size and socio-economic status under NAICS 334516.
- Product Information: Description of the proposed system(s), confirmation of native compatibility with the Sciex QTRAP 5500, relevant manufacturer part numbers, country of origin, lead-time for delivery, and estimated price (for market research only).
- Role: State whether the company is the manufacturer or an authorized reseller.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought Notice / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: May 28, 2026, by 12:00 p.m. MDT
- Published: May 23, 2026
Additional Notes
This notice is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP), or a promise to issue a future solicitation. The Government is not seeking quotes at this time and will not accept unsolicited quotes. Responses will be used for market research.